It’s safe to say that most of us could always use some extra cash. But, with no time to juggle a second job, how do you make money quickly and easily?
Perhaps you should look closer to home.
There are many much-needed materials from your body that you can donate (legally, we might add), which allows you to not only make some extra dollars, but also help others and potentially create new lives.
For example, egg donors give the gift of life to infertile couples, hair donors allow cancer-stricken patients to feel like themselves again, and surrogates help couples create the family of their dreams. We often think about gifting items such as gifts for Mother’s Day but what about these types of gifts?
See what we mean?
Let’s discover other ways you can be rewarded while helping others.
1. Produce Extra Cash (and Much-Needed Nourishment) By Donating Your Breast Milk
When you have excess breast milk, it’s a shame to let it go to waste, especially when other mothers can’t produce enough – or any – of their own milk to provide their babies with the nourishment they need.
How does it work?
First, it’s important to donate your milk through an established organization, like a nonprofit milk bank. These companies screen you and your breast milk to ensure it’s safe to pass on to others; otherwise, there could be harmful bacteria within it if you sold it yourself.
2. Generate Money (and Life) By Becoming an Egg Donor
Donating your eggs helps women who aren’t able to produce healthy eggs to become pregnant via IVF. Most egg donors are between 21 and 33 years old, as fertility drugs aren’t as effective on older women’s eggs.
What do egg donors receive in return?
In the U.S., egg donors receive from $5,000 to $7,000 in compensation for each egg donation cycle. It’s important to note that you’re not paid for your eggs (that’s illegal) but receive compensation for the time and energy you invest into donating them.
During each cycle, fertility drugs encourage your ovaries to release more eggs than normal, with the actual retrieval of eggs taking approximately 20 minutes. You may need to allow a couple of days to recover afterward.
3. Create Better Finances (and a Life-Changing Wig) By Making Money from Your Hair
Hair is one of our most precious commodities. Without it, we may lose our confidence, style, and character, which is why many wig makers, beauticians, and artisans are glad to take your lengthy tresses from you, if you’re willing to donate them.
From cancer patients who have lost their hair during chemotherapy, to children suffering from alopecia, there are plenty of reasons why donating your hair is a worthy cause.
What type of hair are these organizations looking for?
Typically, the hair that’s most sought after is straight, long, and in great condition. Equally, hair that’s never been dyed (aka “virgin hair”) is incredibly attractive for buyers. The color of your hair is also important, as gray hair isn’t as favored as brunettes and blondes, but redheads are the ones who tend to bank the most buck for their locks.
The going rate for hair is around $1,500 or more – with one woman even banking $4,000 in 2013 for selling 31 inches of her hair.
4. Grow Extra Dollars (and a Baby) By Becoming a Surrogate
It’s common for people to mix up the terms surrogate and gestational carrier. A surrogate donates her own egg to create the embryo and carries the child to term, while a gestational carrier (GC) nurtures another’s embryo and carries the child to term. Both surrogates and GCs lovingly give another intended parent the chance to have a baby when they otherwise couldn’t.
Due to how long pregnancies last and the additional experiences these individuals must go through, this is the lengthiest process of all the ideas we’ve listed. For example, you’ll need to undergo a number of psychological and medical examinations as well as home visits, a criminal background check, and other important types of screening.
Are you eligible?
While surrogates are generally in their 20s or early 30s since they are donating their eggs as well, GCs can be older, ranging from their early 20s to their early 40s. However, most clinics require you to have had at least one pregnancy before, and without any complications. You’ll also need to adhere to strict medical (and sometimes diet and lifestyle) requirements put in place to protect you and the baby, while also signing a contract with the parents-to-be.
Finally, it’s important to read all of the small print so you can be 100% sure what’s expected of you before becoming a GC or surrogate. This includes who pays for any of the medical costs you may face throughout your pregnancy.
All of these additional requirements, time commitments, and so on are justly rewarded, though, with the average GC and surrogate receiving anywhere between $30,000 to $52,000+ – a full year’s wage for some!
It’s Time to Donate or Sell Your Body (Parts) to Help Others!
In this day and age, the statement “selling your body” no longer holds as many negative connotations as it once did. In fact, it’s the perfect way to help others while rewarding yourself not just financially, but emotionally, too. Knowing you’re making extra money for yourself and family while assisting others in their time of need is a wonderful, heartwarming experience – and one that could prove to be much more rewarding than the typical second job!
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